Environmental challenges of disposable wipes: causes, impacts, and sustainable solutions

Abstract

The global surge in disposable wipes consumption has revolutionized hygiene and cleaning practices, but has introduced significant, often overlooked, environmental challenges. Despite growing awareness, the improper disposal of wipes, many of which are incorrectly marketed as flushable or biodegradable, continues to contribute to sewer blockages, persistent microplastic pollution, and increasing landfill burdens. Misleading labeling, incorporation of synthetic fibers, and inadequate structural disintegration have all intensified these environmental risks. This review explores how the current design and material composition of disposable wipes contribute to these environmental challenges. Analyzing the whole manufacturing chain—from raw material selection to bonding methods—identifies critical factors that affect flushability, degradability, and microfiber shedding. The presence of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers and the physical robustness of wipe structures due to web formation and bonding have been shown to impede environmental breakdown and proper disintegration. Aiming to develop sustainable wipes to mitigate these problems, several technical challenges were introduced within existing technology, and at the same time, viable solutions were proposed. Utilizing fully biodegradable, naturally sourced, or regenerated fibers, engineering fiber geometry, replacing conventional synthetic binders, and optimizing manufacturing processes were highlighted as promising strategies for developing sustainable wipes.